Ace's critically acclaimed Southern Soul box set "Take Me to The River: A Southern Soul Story" was honoured last weekend at the Porretta Soul Festival. Full report from Ace’s Tony Rounce to follow shortly.

The festival, which started in 1988, is unlike any other in Europe and has become the most prestigious European event entirely dedicated to rhythm & blues and soul music.

Over the past 20 years the biggest names in soul have come to Porretta, many of them especially for the Festival on their first trip to Europe. Artists have included: Rufus Thomas, Sam Moore, Booker T. & The MGs, The Memphis Horns, Percy Sledge, Solomon Burke, Irma Thomas, Mavis Staples, Millie Jackson, The Bar Kays, Ann Peebles, Otis Clay, Isaac Hayes, Wilson Pickett, Lavern Baker, James Carr, Joe Simon, William Bell, Bobby Purify, Clarence Carter, Eddie Hinton, Les McCann, Dan Penn and Billy Preston.

Full details at: www.porrettasoul.it